The Lemon Index
20032nd generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 14,898 in the U.S. in 2004 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 6 complaints in its first 3 years.
6 owner complaints, first 3 years 18 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2004 GMC Yukon XL 842004 Mitsubishi Outlander2004 Nissan Armada 390
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Any clunks over bumps or uneven tire wear? Were struts, shocks or control arms replaced?
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Any steering noise, wander or power-steering warning? Has the steering rack or pump been replaced?
- Chevy sent dealers 351 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Squeal or squeak type noise from the front axle area during cold ambient temperatures”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Chevy's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 6 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
In owners' words
Squeak from front axel/power train during cold ambient temperatures.
2004 Chevrolet Tracker owner · NHTSA complaint 10151248
More owner reports
The tires were replaced four times in order to stop the vibration. Vehicle vibrated when going 65-70 mph . Dealer stated no defects were found on the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint 10089202
The lower arm control problems and air conditioning unit with my vehicle, Chevrolet Tracker 2004.
NHTSA complaint 10181885
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 2.1M views · 1999–2004 Chevrolet Tracker
- Heat, A/C & blend door85K views
How to Replace Cabin Air Filter 2001 Chevrolet Tracker | AQ1056Filterheads · 75K views · 4 videos - Fuel pump, filter & tank58K views
2000 Chevy Tracker (Suzuki Vitara) Fuel Pump; easy way to get to and changeChristian Pritchett · 40K views · 4 videos - Brakes & ABS52K views
2003 Chevy Tracker Rear Brakes (Shoes) and Brake line ReplacementTheDestructve · 52K views - No-start: theft light, key & ignition51K views
2000 Chevy Tracker Camshaft Sensor No Start Once Hot Stalling Sputtering Fixgeostomp · 51K views
Show 3 more
- Cooling system43K views
How to: Replace a Drive belt, Water Pump and Thermostat 2002 Chevrolet Chevy Tracker ZR2 (3-in-1)How2Helen · 31K views · 4 videos - Oil changes & service32K views
2001 Chevy Tracker 2.5L V6 Oil Changecdogg · 11K views · 6 videos - Intake, EGR & engine sensors23K views
2000 Chevy tracker stalling/camshaft position sensor replacementChris Straus · 23K views
Before you buy, watch
2004 Chevrolet Tracker ZR-2: Regular Car ReviewsRegular Car Reviews · 206K views
2002 Chevrolet Tracker 4WD - 4Cyl. - 5 Speed Trans. - 4 Wheel Drive - 205K - SOLD - Malibu MotorsMalibu Motors Victoria · 41K views
2002 Chevy Tracker 4x4 V6 Review!!!Motor Mike Media · 31K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2004 is the same generation.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 351 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Squeal or squeak type noise from the front axle area during cold ambient temperatures
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedFront suspension crossmember corrosion2006–2007
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side ★★★★☆ · rollover —
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,350 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.5L 6-cyl.
Every Chevrolet Tracker year. 2004 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Show 1 older years (1999–1999, YouTube reviews only, no complaint data)
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 6 Chevrolet Tracker years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2004 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/chevrolet-tracker/?y=2004" title="Chevrolet Tracker reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="307" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/chevrolet-tracker/2004/">Lemon Index</a> (2004 Chevrolet Tracker reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker reliable?
We can't score it: only 14,898 were sold in the U.S. in 2004 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2004 Chevrolet Tracker problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are suspension (33%), transmission & drivetrain (33%) and steering (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker get?
18 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 33% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker cost in fuel a year?
About $3,350 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker have?
2.5L 6-cyl.
What Chevrolet Tracker year is better than the 2004?
Nearby, the 2002 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about half as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works